Sécurité publique - Public Safety

NWT Flood Response Update: May 17, 2022, 17:00pm

Public Safety Bulletin

Unprecedented flooding is currently affecting thousands of residents in the Northwest Territories.

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Current status

Water levels and flow

Hay River and Kátł’odeeche First Nation

The Hay River and Kátł’odeeche First Nation emergency has transitioned from response to recovery.

Communities are the lead on response and recovery activities and are supported by the GNWT as needed.

Territorial and Regional Emergency Management Organizations are fully activated and providing resources for planning, coordination, and emergency management and recovery operations.

These updates are shared to amplify the latest information.

Disaster assistance registration and support

  • Enhanced disaster assistance announced by the GNWT today is now available for those affected in Hay River and Kátł’odeeche First Nation.
  • GNWT staff are on-site to assist evacuees with completing the required form(s) to apply for disaster assistance. All affected residents are encouraged to register to begin this process.

Community

Venue

Enterprise

Community Hall

Yellowknife

Multiplex

Fort Providence

Snowshoe Inn

Fort Smith

Municipal and Community Affairs Office

Hay River

Community Centre

Evacuation centre update

  • Note: current numbers in Yellowknife will vary – evacuee return has not yet been reconciled.
  • Evacuees from Hay River and Kátł’odeeche First Nation have begun returning home.
  • Evacuation centres will remain available for stays for evacuees without other options if they return to find their homes not habitable.
  • Buses will run between Yellowknife and Hay River evacuation centres through Friday.
  • The evacuation centre in Hay River is once again operational.

Roads

  • Highway Transport Officers are monitoring all highways in the South Slave region. 
    • Highway 2 open to emergency traffic only.
    • Highway from the NWT-Alberta border to Enterprise is open to one-lane traffic.
    • Highway 1 from kilometre 236-238 is closed due to high water.
  • Highway Transport Officers are controlling traffic and escorting vehicles at Highway 1 from kilometre 80 (Escarpment Creek).

Sambaa K’e

  • Localized flooding was reported by the community on May 15 due to rising water in the lake. The water has receded and initial indications are damage is not widespread.  

Fort Liard

  • Reports have been received of seven homes impacted by localized flooding in Fort Liard, with some fuel spills reported and seven individuals displaced.
  • Damage assessments are being coordinated by the GNWT with the Hamlet.

Jean Marie River

Rest of NWT

Flood risk remains in other areas downstream on the Mackenzie River.

There are some communities at higher risk than others in any break-up year still facing flood risk.

  • Nahanni Butte (South Nahanni River, Liard River)
  • Fort Liard (Liard River)
  • Aklavik (Mackenzie River)
  • Fort Good Hope (Mackenzie River)
  • Tulita (Mackenzie River)
  • Jean Marie River (Mackenzie River)

It’s not too late to take actions to be ready before the water comes. Get simple, practical tips:

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Actions today

Hay River and K’at’lodeeche First Nation

  • The GNWT has arranged a daily bus for evacuees departing from the Yellowknife evacuation centre at 8am and travelling to Hay River. 
  • Pathfinders and government service staff are on-site in Hay River, Yellowknife, Fort Smith, Enterprise, and Fort Providence registering individuals for disaster assistance and providing return home packages.
  • Food, accommodations, information, and supplies to support evacuees are being coordinated by the Town of Hay River, K’at’lodeeche First Nation and the territorial government.
  • GNWT staff are coming forward from across government to volunteer to provide help with the flood response. 
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Key messages for staying safe

We know there is fear and anxiety out there right now. And that’s totally natural. The best way to channel that anxiety is to take steps to control your risk. The key messages today are:

  • If it’s flooded, don’t cross: just six inches of water can sweep a full-grown adult away. Please – avoid crossing flooded areas. Instead, call 9-1-1 and seek help.
  • Wherever you are, contact your community government: ensuring evacuees are safe is the priority in an emergency.
  • Get to safety: follow instructions from local officials.
  • If you’re in trouble: find higher ground and call 9-1-1.
  • Conserve your cell phone battery: communication is critical right now.
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Donations, helping out, and helpful local links

When trouble comes, Northerners come together. And that’s amazing – but donation overrun can be problematic. Here are the ways we’re recommending you donate and help out:

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More information

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